Apparatus for simulating barn wood

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for imparting random elongate furrows to the surfaces of wooden panels so as to simulate weathered barn wood. The apparatus comprises means for supporting the panels, a tool carrier member adjacent to and movable with respect to the supporting means, a plurality of resilient spikes mounted on said carrier member and extending toward the supporting means for engagement with the surface of the wooden panel, and a power actuated means for effecting relative movement between the member and the panel. The spikes are loosely carried in apertures of the carrier member such that they can undergo limited swiveling movement with respect thereto. As the spikes engage the surface of the panel, they forcibly dig into the same and simultaneously undergo random limited swiveling movement, thus creating unique, non-parallel furrows therein. The method of the invention comprises engaging the surface of the panel by the spikes carried on the carrier member with respect to the panel, such that the spikes forcibly dig into the surface and undergo a random swiveling movement to thereby cut a series of age-simulating furrows therein.

United States Patent n91 Haynes 1 Feb. 12, 1974 [76] inventor: LincolnW. Haynes, c/o Haynes Bros. lnc., Wilmington, Vt.

[22] Filed: Nov. 30, 1972 [211 App]. No.: 310,933

[52] U.S. Cl 144/2 R, 144/120, 144/309 A,

144/320, 144/328 [51] Int. Cl. B270 9/00 [58] Field of Search144/2 R, 3N, 120, 121, 309 A,

Mallett 144/120 UK Primary ExaminerAndrew R. Juhasz AssistantExaminer-W. DpBray Attorney, Agent, or Firm-H. Gibner Lehmann; K. GibnerLehmann [57] ABSTRACT A method of and apparatus for imparting randomelongate furrows to the surfaces of wooden panels so as to simulateweathered barn wood. The apparatus comprises means for supporting thepanels, a tool carrier member adjacent to and movable with respect tothe supporting means, a plurality of resilient spikes mounted on saidcarrier member and extending toward the supporting means for engagementwith the surface of the wooden panel, and a power actuated means foreffecting relative movement between the member and the panel. The spikesare loosely carried in apertures of the carrier member such that theycan undergo limited swiveling movement with respect thereto. As thespikes engage the surface of the panel, they forcibly dig into the sameand simultaneously undergo random limited swiveling movement, thuscreating unique, non-parallel furrows therein. The method of theinvention comprises engaging the surface of the panel by the spikescarried on the carrier member with respect to the panel, such that thespikes forcibly dig into the surface and undergo a random swivelingmovement to thereby cut a series of age-simulating furrows therein.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING BARN WOODBACKGROUND This invention relates to method and means for gouging orfurrowing relatively smooth surfaces of wooden panels, to thereby createa weathered or aged appearance thereof so as to simulate weather beatenbarn wood.

I-Ieretofore, various devices have been employed for accomplishing thisresult. In many cases, a circulating drum or cylinder having coarse sandor grit bonded to its surface was passed over the wooden panel, thecoarseness of the grit determining the roughness of the resultinggrooves or furrows. In several instances, a power driven rotatingcylinder having a smooth surface was employed to guide a sanding beltover the wood surface, the belt being arranged to engage the surface ata relatively small area thereof adjacent the drum. Still otherarrangements have employed a series of fixed knives parallel to oneanother ora series of diskshaped rotating blades the knives or bladesengaging the surface of the wood and scratching parallel groovestherein.

While several of the above arrangements operated satisfactorily, therewere a number of distinct disadvantages which were apparent. First,where fixed knives or rotating blades were employed, the resultinggrooves or furrows were generally parallel to one another, and thedesired effect of creating a weathered or aged appearance was notachieved, due to the symmetry and uniformity of the grooves. Second, incases where coarse sand belts or grit-coated drums were used, theresulting wood surface was either too smooth, or it sufi'ered from anexcessive number of torn fibers, wherein the desired aged appearance wasagain not obtained. In addition, the grit which was bonded to the drumwas prone to become worn or separated therefrom, thus diminishing theeffectiveness of the device.

SUMMARY The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior wood-furrowingdevices are obviated by the present invention, which has for an objectthe provision of a novel method and apparatus for imparting randomelongate'indentations or furrows in the plane surfaces of wooden panels,the apparatus being extremely simple in construction, and effective andreliable in operation. A related object is the provision of a farrowingdevice as above characterized, which imparts a unique, realistic andpleasing surface configuration to a wooden panel, the configurationbeing truly representative of the appearance of wood which has been agedand weathered, commonly referred to as barn wood. Another object of theinvention is the provision of an especially simple and effectivenovel-method for furrowing the plane surface of a wooden panel tothereby impart an aged or weathered appearance thereto.

The above objects are accomplished by a furrowing apparatus comprisingmeansfor supporting the panel to be treated, a tool carrier memberadjacent the supporting means and loosely carrying a plurality ofresilient spikes extending toward and engageable with the surface of thewooden panel, and power actuated means for effecting relative movementbetween the member and the panel such that the spikes simultaneouslyundergo random swiveling movement as they forcibly dig into the woodsurface to thereby create furrows therein which truly simulate weatheredbarn wood.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings, illustrating several embodiments of the invention:

FIG. I is a diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for modifying orfurrowing the surface configura-.

tion of a wooden panel as provided by the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section of the apparatus ofFIG. 1, taken at to the section of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a vertical section of a wooden panel prior to being treated bythe apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a vertical section of the wooden panel of FIG. 5 after passingthrough the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a modified apparatus, constitutinganother embodiment of the invention.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with the present inventionthere is illustrated an apparatus for imparting random elongateindentations in the surface of a wooden panel 10, the apparatus beinggenerally designated by the numeral 12. The device comprises a pluralityof support rollers 14 disposed below and constituting support-means forthe panel, and in addition two feed rollers 16 above the panel andadapted to drivingly engage the upper surface thereof. The rollers 14and 16 are preferably of the same type, having a rubber facing thereon,and are preferably all simultaneously driven in such directions as toadvance the panel in the same direction, toward the right in FIG. 1.

By the present invention there is further provided a tool carrier member18 disposed above the supporting rollers 14. The tool carrier member 18has a planar configuration and comprises a plurality of apertures 20each adapted to receive a resilient spike 22, as illustrated in FIG. 3.The spikes are preferably constituted of spring steel and extend in agenerally parallel direction toward the wooden panel 10 and supportrollers 14. As best illustrated in'FIG. 3, the spikes 22 are of slightlysmaller girth than the size of the apertures 20 and thus fit ratherloosely therein, so as to be able to undergo limited swiveling orcanting movement as in FIG. 4 with respect to the tool carrier member18. Each spike comprises an elongate bodyportion 24 having a pointed endportion 26, and a resilient head portion 28 of sufficient size toprevent the spikes from falling through the apertures 20. In accordancewith the present invention, the head portions 28 of the spikes 20 areresilient so as to permit a limited flexing movement of the body withrespect thereto.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention can now be readilyunderstood by referring to FIGS. 1 and 4. In FIG. 1 it is to be notedthat there is fastened to the tool carrier member 18 a buttress plate 30which is secured thereto by means of screws and is disposed slightlyabove the heads 28 of the spikes to thereby restrain the latter frornmovement in an upward direction. Assuming the wooden panel 10 in FIG. 5has been fed past the extreme left-hand driver rollers 14 and 16 in FIG.1, the upper surface of the panel will thereafter become engaged by thespikes 22. As best illustrated in FIG. 4 the loose fit between theapertures 20 and the spikes 22 enables the latter to undergo limitedrandom canting or swiveling movement with respect to the tool carriermember 18, as they forcibly engage the wooden surface. Itis to be notedthat the tendency for the spikes to move vertically is greatly reducedby the fact that a substantial binding occurs between each spike and itsrespective aperture as the spike is swiveled. In addition, the spike issufficiently resilient so as to undergo limited bending such that, beingconstituted of spring steel, a very small portion of the component ofthe force acting on the spike is directed upward. The spikes 22 are thuscaused to forcibly dig into the surface of the panel as the latter isforced past the tool carrier member, thereby creating a series offurrows or indentations in the surface thereof as illustrated in FIG. 6.The above arrangement has several distinct advantages. First, itprovides an extremely desirable surface appearance to the panel. Each ofthe spikes swivels side to side as it engages different degrees of fibertoughness, and the effect realized is a random series of furrows whichare generally not parallel to one another, and which very closelysimulate the appearance of aged or weathered barn wood. Second, the timerequired to process the wood is very small, being on the same order ascutting tree trunks into uniform panels or boards. In addition,replacement of a spike can be easily effected in the event that itbecomes bent or otherwise damaged.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated diagrammatically inFIG. 7. The device comprises a table 32 which is supported byfree-turning rollers 34. The table includes a rack 36 which is engagedby a gear 38 power driven in the direction indicated by an electricmotor (not shown). The table 32 further comprises an end plate 40adapted to engage the end of the panel 10. The spikes 22 are looselycarried in the tool carrier member 18 in the same manner as discussed inconnection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In addition, there isprovided anadjustment means for effecting advancing movement of the toolcarrier member and spikes toward the panel 10, this means comprisingadjustment screws 42 and nuts 44 mounted to a framework 46 which isrigid with respect to the bearings (not shown) mounting the rollers 34and gear 38. By such an arrangement, an adjustment in the depth of thegrooves made in the panel surface can be effected merely by advancingthe screws 42 to give the desired result. The operation of thisembodiment is analogous to that of FIGS. l-4, as can be readily seen,the only difference being in the-manner in which the panel is driven.

The present invention also embraces the novel method of furrowing theplane surfaces of a wooden panel to thereby impart to the latter theappearance of aged or weathered barn wood. Referring to FIGS. l-4, themethod comprises the steps of engaging the panel surface by a pluralityof spikes 22 which are loosely carried on a tool carrier member 18, suchthat the spikes can undergo limited swiveling movement with respectthereto, and simultaneously effecting relative movement between thepanel and carrier member in a direction parallel to the plane of thepanel surface such that the spikes cut random, non-parallel, elongatefurrows in the surface of the panel. Referring to FIG. 7, the methodalso includes the further step of applying forces to the carrier memberand to the wooden panel in directions so as to cause the spikes toforcibly engage the panel surface. The forces are applied through theframework 46 acting on the adjustment screws 42, and through thebearings 33 mounting the rollers 34.

From the above it can be seen that I have provided a novel and improvedmethod and apparatus for furrowing the surface of wooden panels tosimulate an aged or weathered, barn wood appearance. I have found thatthe results obtained through use of this apparatus as described aresubstantially superior to that obtained through the use of rotary cutterdevices and fixed or rotating knife blades. The invention is thus seento represent a distinct advance and improvement in the technology ofwood-working and wood-finishing.

Variations and modifications are possible without departing from thespirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for imparting random elongate indentations in the planesurfaces of wooden panels, comprising in combination:

a. means for supporting the wooden panel to be worked on,

b. a tool carrier member disposed adjacent said supporting means,

c. a plurality of resilient spikes adapted to be carried by said carriermember and extending towards said supporting means for engagement withthe surface of the wooden panel supported thereby,

d. mounting means on said carrier member and engageable with said spikesfor loosely mounting the latter to thereby enable limited swivelingmovement thereof with respect to said carrier member, and

e. power actuated means for effecting relative movement between saidmember and said panel, whereby the spikes when engaging the woodensurface of the panel are caused to forcibly dig into the same therebycreating furrows which simulate weathered barn wood.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1, and further including:

a. means biasing said spikes into forcible engagement with the surfaceof the wooden panel.

3. The invention asset forth in claim 1, wherein:

a. said tool carrier member has a planar configuration and a pluralityof apertures,

b. said spikes being received in said apertures, and

extending in generally parallel directions.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 3, wherein:

a. the size of said apertures is slightly greater than the girth of saidspikes, whereby a loose fit exists therebetween.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein:

a. said spikes comprise elongate body portions, and

head portions respectively at the ends thereof,

b. said head portions having a size substantially larger than the sizeof the apertures to thereby prevent the spikes from falling through thelatter.

6. The invention as set forth-in claim 5, wherein:

a. said head portions are resilient to enable limited flexing movementof the spike body with respect to the head portion.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein:

a. said spikes cant in response to engagement thereof by the woodensurface, and

b. said carrier causing a binding of the spikes as the latter cant insaid apertures.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a. said spikes are constituted of spring steel to enable limited flexingmovement thereof with respect to said carrier member.

1. An apparatus for imparting random elongate indentations in the planesurfaces of wooden panels, comprising in combination: a. means forsupporting the wooden panel to be worked on, b. a tool carrier memberdisposed adjacent said supporting means, c. a plurality of resilientspikes adapted to be carried by said carrier member and extendingtowards said supporting means for engagement with the surface of thewooden panel supported thereby, d. mounting means on said carrier memberand engageable with said spikes for loosely mounting the latter tothereby enable limited swiveling movement thereof with respect to saidcarrier member, and e. power actuated means for effecting relativemovement between said member and said panel, whereby the spikes whenengaging the wooden surface of the panel are caused to forcibly dig intothe same thereby creating furrows which simulate weathered barn wood. 2.The invention as defined in claim 1, and further including: a. meansbiasing said spikes into forcible engagement with the surface of thewooden panel.
 3. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a. saidtool carrier member has a planar configuration and a plurality ofapertures, b. said spikes being received in said apertures, andextending in generally parallel directions.
 4. The invention as setforth in claim 3, wherein: a. the size of said apertures is slightlygreater than the girth of said spikes, whereby a loose fit existstherebetween.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein: a. saidspikes comprise elongate body portions, and head portions respectivelyat the ends thereof, b. said head portions having a size substantiallylarger than the size of the apertures to thereby prevent the spikes fromfalling through the latter.
 6. The invention as set forth in claim 5,wherein: a. said head portions are resilient to enable limited flexingmovement of the spike body with respect to the head portion.
 7. Theinvention as set forth in claim 4, wherein: a. said spikes cant inresponse to engagement thereof by the wooden surface, and b. saidcarrier causing a binding of the spikes as the latter cant in saidapertures.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. saidspikes are constituted of spring steel to enable limited flexingmovement thereof with respect to said carrier member.